Relating to the definition of private place for gambling criminal offense purposes.

HB 2154 amends Texas law to clarify the definition of "private place" for gambling offense purposes in the Penal Code. It explicitly excludes locations like streets, restaurants, nightclubs, commercial gaming enterprises (including for-profit poker clubs and card rooms), and common areas of hotels or apartment buildings from being considered "private places." This definition change affects how gambling offenses are legally categorized, particularly in venues that operate as commercial gaming businesses. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date.